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The cost of ... cell phone buying
By Jan
Lindsey • Bankrate.com
 If
you have decided to get a hand-held cell phone, you're in for a
bout of information overload.
Many companies provide service and compete through
a seemingly infinite array of options and price packages.
How do you cut through the clutter? Experts say you
take the first step before you even begin shopping -- figure out
what you are looking for.
Know what you want
Just as when you install a telephone in your home, you are buying
two things when you get a wireless phone: the telephone itself and
the service that makes it work.
Before selecting your phone, determine the features
you want -- perhaps memory dialing or a hands-free car kit -- and
consider the way you will carry the phone to determine an appropriate
size and weight.
Before settling on a service, predict the number of
calls you will make, and try to project the days and the time of
day you are most likely to use the phone. Many companies provide
discounted calling periods, but you can't take advantage of them
if you don't have any idea when you will be making calls.
And figure out whether you want the basics such as
call waiting or voice mail, or the extras such as text messaging
or roadside assistance features.
Meeting your needs
Now that you know what you want, it's time to find it. Be forewarned,
where there is one cellular service, there is likely to be at least
a handful competing mightily for your business.
That can make things confusing. What, after all, is
the difference between analog, digital and digital PCS service?
The answers can be found online at sites that teach without trying
to sell.
Try the Web sites of Wireless
Adviser or the Cellular
Telecommunications & Internet Association. Each provides
loads of information about wireless phone service including glossaries
of terms to help unravel the sales pitch.
A word of caution: Not all phones work with all plans
due to technological differences, so make sure your selections are
compatible.
Saving money
The price you pay for cell phone service is based on how long you
talk, how many long distance calls you make, how much you use your
phone outside your provider's service area and the calling features
you select.
If you are looking for savings, watch for promotions.
Companies sometimes throw in extra airtime or waive activation fees
to entice you.
And service providers sometimes offer a free phone
with a certain service package. It may not be their best model,
but if you need that specific package anyway, the free phone simply
sweetens the deal.
On the other hand, if you plan to stash the phone
in the bottom of your purse and use it only for emergencies, look
for companies that provide a small number of calling minutes at
a low price. There's little point in paying for a lot of air time
when you don't plan to use the phone.
As always, read the contract carefully. Make sure
you know what the cost will be if you use more minutes than are
budgeted in the plan you choose, and what it will cost to walk away
from the deal before the contract ends.
It all comes down to finding your comfort level both
with the phone and the service. If they suit your needs at a price
you can afford, your first call may be to brag about a job well
done.
Jan Lindsey is a freelance writer
based in Florida.
-- Updated:
May 23, 2002
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